Cure cottages of Saranac Lake

Cure Cottages of Saranac Lake were a series of homes and sanatoriums in Saranac Lake, New York, United States, used primarily for the treatment of tuberculosis from the late 19th century through the mid-20th century. Saranac Lake, located in the Adirondack Mountains, became renowned for its "cure cottages" due to the belief that the fresh, mountain air offered therapeutic benefits for those suffering from the disease. This form of treatment, known as the "rest cure," was pioneered by Dr. Edward Livingston Trudeau, who himself sought relief from tuberculosis in Saranac Lake in 1873 and later established the Adirondack Cottage Sanitarium in 1885.

History

The history of the cure cottages in Saranac Lake is closely tied to the broader history of tuberculosis treatment in the United States. In the late 19th and early 20th centuries, tuberculosis, also known as consumption, was a leading cause of death. The disease prompted the establishment of sanatoriums across the country, where patients could receive care and rest in a healthy environment. Saranac Lake's reputation as a healing site grew rapidly after Dr. Trudeau's success with the sanatorium model, attracting patients from across the country and leading to the development of numerous private homes designed to serve as part-time sanatoriums.

Design and Operation

The cure cottages varied in size and design, ranging from simple homes to larger, more elaborate structures. They were characterized by their large, open porches or "cure porches," where patients would rest in reclining chairs, wrapped in blankets, breathing in the cold, fresh air, regardless of the season. This practice was based on the theory that the clean, mountain air would help heal the lungs. Patients typically spent the majority of their day outdoors on these porches, a practice that was considered essential to the cure process.

Legacy

The decline of the cure cottage era began in the 1940s with the advent of effective antibiotic treatments for tuberculosis, notably streptomycin. As the need for long-term sanatorium care diminished, many of the cure cottages were converted into private homes or other uses. Today, the legacy of the cure cottages is preserved through historical markers, tours, and a few remaining structures that serve as reminders of Saranac Lake's role in the fight against tuberculosis. The Saranac Laboratory Museum, originally established by Dr. Trudeau, now serves as a museum dedicated to the history of tuberculosis treatment and the story of the cure cottages.

Preservation

Efforts to preserve the remaining cure cottages have been undertaken by various historical societies and preservation groups. These efforts highlight the architectural and historical significance of the cure cottages, not only to Saranac Lake but to the broader history of medical treatment and health care in the United States.